Walt Disney World History

The following timeline of Walt Disney World was produced by the Walt Disney World News department, and is Copyright 2009 The Walt Disney Company.

Walt Disney World History

“WALT DISNEY WORLD is a tribute to the philosophy and life of Walter Elias Disney and to the talents, the dedication and the loyalty of the entire Disney organization that made Walt Disney's dream come true. May Walt Disney World bring Joy and Inspiration and New Knowledge to all who come to this happy place...a Magic Kingdom where the young at heart of all ages can laugh and play and learn -- together."

As it moves through the new millennium, Walt Disney World Resort continues to grow in size and scope far greater than anyone could have imagined in 1971 when the new “World” opened with just one park -- Magic Kingdom -- and two resort hotels.
Today’s Vacation Kingdom encompasses four major Disney theme parks, two water parks, six golf courses and the Downtown Disney dining/shopping/entertainment complex. Total visitation in the four Disney theme parks is more than 700 million guests. There are 21 individual Disney resorts, plus a totally different kind of new-age community called Celebration, also an outgrowth of Walt Disney’s original Florida dream.

The Walt Disney World Resort that burst on the scene in the 1970s rapidly became the world’s best-known destination vacation resort with guests coming from all parts of the world. After opening, construction was concentrated on new attractions and facilities inside Magic Kingdom.

By 1982, Walt Disney World Resort had doubled its investment with the addition of Epcot, Walt Disney World Village and six resorts. Attendance had passed 100 million visitors.

During the '80s it also added Disney-MGM Studios, its first luxury resort (Disney’s Grand Floridian Beach Resort), first moderate hotel (Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort) plus three other hotels, Pleasure Island, Typhoon Lagoon water park and greatly expanded live entertainment, recreation and at least 30 major Disney park adventures.

The Disney Decade It was not until the decade of the '90s, however, that Disney growth became truly phenomenal. In January 1990, Disney Chairman Michael D. Eisner unveiled an ambitious ten-year building plan. He called it The Disney Decade. By mid-decade attendance passed 500 million guests. Investment increased to five times its 1980 total.

Among major accomplishments of The Disney Decade: • Disney’s Animal Kingdom -- a whole new species of theme park with 13 animal-themed adventures opened in 1998. A greatly expanded Asia section opened in 1999.

• Ten outstanding resorts in a variety of themes and price ranges plus two new golf courses.

• Disney Vacation Club in three locationswith exceptional opportunities for owning a piece of the magic.

• One additional water adventure park, Blizzard Beach.

• Two miniature golf courses, Fantasia and Winter Summerland.

• Major nighttime entertainment, dining and shopping in three areas of the new Downtown Disney, including DisneyQuest and Cirque du Soleil®.

• Disney’s Wide World of Sports, a complex of playing fields, baseball stadium and fieldhouse.

• Disney Institute, a whole new kind of enrichment vacation for individuals and groups.

• The City of Celebration with innovation in homes, business environment and education.

• Disney Cruise Line, with two ships, the Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder, sailing from Port Canaveral, Fla.

Along with this came many parades, musical events, nighttime spectaculars and sports events, and special entertainment. There still remains more than 20,000 acres of undeveloped land and an endless imagination which is the legacy of Walt Disney.

The new century began with a yearlong Millennium Celebration including the opening of the “Tapestry of Nations” street festival and Millennium Villageat Epcot, and a new Disney Vacation Club resort, The Villas at Wilderness Lodge. Construction began on several new additions: “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire-Play It!” (Disney-MGM Studios); Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge; Disney’s Beach Club Villas; Chester & Hester’s Dino-Rama! (Disney’s Animal Kingdom), Mission: SPACE (Epcot); Disney’s Pop Century Resort.

The 100 Years of Magic celebration in 2001 marked the 100th anniversary of Walt Disney’s birth with a giant party, featuring new parades, special decorations and entertainment throughout the Vacation Kingdom, and “Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream” at Disney-MGM Studios, a special showcase of memorabilia paying tribute to the life and legacy of Walt Disney. Visual focus of the celebration was a gigantic Sorcerer Mickey Hat at Disney-MGM Studios, which became the park’s new icon. New parades: at Disney-MGM Studios, “Disney Stars and Motor Cars” with favorite characters from Disney classics of the 20s to the 90s; at Magic Kingdom, “Share a Dream Come True” showcasing favorite Disney scenes within giant-sized snow globes; at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, “Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle” with Disney favorites cavorting in a colorful Safari party; and at Epcot, “Tapestry of Dreams,” apageant of colorful oversized puppets prancing and dancing high above the parade route.

Walt Disney’s Dream For a New “World” in Florida Walt Disney World Resort was first envisioned by Walt Disney in the early 1960s to give millions of residents in the Eastern United States an opportunity to enjoy unique entertainment concepts which had become world-renowned at California’s Disneyland.

By 1963 the Disney planning team at WED Enterprises (now Walt Disney Imagineering) had selected Florida because its weather permitted year-round operation necessary to Disneyland-style entertainment and because the state already ranked first in tourism among all states. The search narrowed to the Orlando area because of available land, location at the crossroads of major traffic arteries and dynamic growth.
Walt Disney wanted a much larger area than Disneyland’s 450 acres to develop a total resort, free of the distracting and conflicting elements which had grown up around Disneyland during its first decade.

As the “World” concept grew from “family entertainment park” to “complete destination-vacation resort” and ultimately to the concept of EPCOT -- Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow -- Walt believed he could apply the unique Disney approach to planning for all areas of family life.
Land acquisition began in 1964. Nearly 28,000 acres were purchased from more than 100 property owners at a total cost of nearly $5.5 million. Another 2,000 acres have been added since.

The first public announcement came Nov. 16, 1965, in an Orlando press conference with Walt and brother Roy O. Disney, Florida Gov. Hayden Burns and other dignitaries. Walt described his dreams of building first a unique entertainment and vacation center and eventually a way of life found nowhere else in the world.
Until his death in December 1966, Walt developed these ideas, directed planning of unique environmental concepts and laid basic philosophies and plans for the new complex.

Site preparation, horticultural experiments and development of a 45-mile network of water-control channels began in 1967. Florida passed legislation creating a utilities district and two cities to accommodate the ambitious plans. Construction began in April 1969 when the company’s three top executives, President Roy O. Disney, Donn B. Tatum and E. Cardon Walker, set the opening for Oct. 1, 1971.

Some 9,000 workers were involved in the two-year construction effort producing a complete vacation environment around lakes, forests and meadows.
They built a 200-acre lake called Seven Seas Lagoon, developed a rolling landscape for two championship 18-hole golf courses, built two of the world’s most unusual hotels and developed six lands of the Magic Kingdom plus a network of land and water transportation to connect the various areas.
During the final 18 months before opening, one million guests visited the Walt Disney World Preview Center where models, drawings and motion pictures explained details of the vast development. Total cost of the project by opening was $400 million.

Year by Year, here is the Walt Disney World Story

1971THE GRAND OPENING
More than 100,000 employees and local guests visited Magic Kingdom before a month-long series of events beginning Oct. 1. Mickey Mouse led the official first visitors, William Windsor and his family, into Magic Kingdom.

Climax of the grand opening was Oct. 23-25, with a gala concert by the 60-nation World Symphony Orchestra under direction of Maestro Arthur Fiedler, a spectacular luau at Polynesian Village Resort, dedication of the Contemporary Resort by Bob Hope, and an opening parade with a 1,076-piece marching band directed by “Music Man” Meredith Willson. Taking part in the televised opening festivities were Julie Andrews, Glen Campbell, Buddy Hackett, Jonathan Winters and a guest list of the “who’s who” of American entertainment, business, government and industry.

CELEBRATED GUESTS U.S. and Soviet crewmen of the Apollo-Soyuz Mission; King Hussein of Jordan; Susan Ford; the family of Egyptian President Anwar Sadat; Michael Landon; Secretary of State Henry Kissinger; governors of 15 southern states; 33 foreign diplomats came for briefings about Epcot Center.

"Epcot Center is inspired by Walt Disney's creative genius. Here, human achievements are celebrated through imagination, the wonders of enterprise, and concepts of a future that promises new and exciting benefits for all.

"May Epcot Center entertain, inform and inspire. And, above all, may it instill a new sense of belief and pride in man's ability to shape a world that offers hope to people everywhere."

OPENINGS On Oct. 1, Epcot Center opened with five Future World pavilions and nine World Showcases -- Mexico, China, Germany, Italy, American Adventure, Japan, France, United Kingdom, Canada.

HIGHLIGHTS Epcot Center’s grand opening ceremonies in late October featured Count Basie and his Orchestra; Lionel Hampton and his Big Band; the Glenn Miller Orchestra; Bob Crosby and the Bobcats; Pete Fountain and his New Orleans Jazz Band (at Spaceship Earth Ball); West Point Glee Club; 450-piece All-American Marching Band; and World Showcase Festival performers representing 23 countries.

Media coverage by more than 1,000 print and electronic journalists. Satellite uplink allowed live coverage by more than 100 TV crews, including “Good Morning America,” “Today” and “The CBS Morning News,” plus foreign TV -- BBC, ZDF from West Germany, RAI from Italy and Antennae 2 from France. Major stories appeared in New York Times, Time, Life, Reader’s Digest and others.

Hugh O’Brian International Leadership Seminar held at Walt Disney World for first time, drew 148 of brightest students from America and abroad.

Mickey Mouse and Walt Disney World Percheron horses toured Canada and U.S., won eight-horse championship at World Percheron Congress in Alberta, Canada.
71,000 high school graduates at four Grad Nites were entertained by the Dazz Band, Steel Breeze, the Greg Kihn Band, Marshall Crenshaw and the Burrito Brothers.

World Series of Entertainment performers included Temptations, Four Tops, Commodores, Evelyn “Champagne” King, Atlanta, Jerry Reed and Tammy Wynette.

Epcot Center introduced an international festival of foreign performers from Yugoslavia, Czechoslovakia, Colombia, Senegal, West Africa and the Peoples Republic of China.

Walt Disney World Percheron horses appeared for several months at the World’s Fair in New Orleans.

In September, a two-night Night of Joy featured Amy Grant, Debby Boone, Dion, Leon Patillo, the Rez Band, the Clark Sisters and the Darrell Mansfield Band.

Richard Carpenter, Toni Tennille and Marvin Hamlisch among guest conductors at first All-American College Orchestra series nightly during summer in Epcot Center. Other special performances throughout the resort by Patti Page, Janie Frickie, Carol Lawrence and the Montovani Orchestra.

1985 HIGHLIGHTS
Memorial Day weekend highlighted by President Ronald Reagan’s visit to Epcot Center for President’s Inaugural Bands Parade which included 21 bands unable to perform at frigid January Inaugural.

Epcot Center’s Voices of Liberty sang for two White House Christmas parties, and Mickey Mouse assisted President and Mrs. Reagan with the lighting of the nation’s Christmas tree on the White House lawn.

ANNUAL EVENTS ABC-TV began annual broadcasts of “Walt Disney World Happy Easter Parade” with Joan Lunden and Rick Dees as on-air hosts. NBC Radio began regular broadcasts from Magic Kingdom.

Joan Lunden returned for her fourth year as co-host of the “Walt Disney World Very Merry Christmas Parade,” her second with Ben Vereen.

SPECIAL EVENTS
Entertainment during the year included Valentine Heartbeat with Starpoint, Miami Sound Machine, The Jets and Kurtis Blow; the Big Band Bash with the Count Basie, Artie Shaw and Glenn Miller orchestras; and other shows featuring The Four Tops, Spinners, Skiles and Henderson, Donny Osmond and Maureen McGovern.

Goofy Games, a competition among TV stations from 25 major markets around the country, gave the media a chance to participate in events to win money for local charities.

1988OPENINGS
In June, Mickey’s Birthdayland opened in Magic Kingdom for the Mickey Mouse 60th Birthday celebration. Four thousand underprivileged children selected by mayors of 125 U.S. and overseas cities, including Misha the Bear and 10 children from the Soviet Union, flew in to share a 1,000-foot birthday cake.

In June, elegant Grand Floridian Beach Resort, first new Disney hotel in 15 years, kicked off a massive
10-year hotel expansion program with 900 rooms open on Seven Seas Lagoon.

In October, Caribbean Beach Resort opened first 764 of 2,112 rooms -- first moderate-level Disney resort, with colorful island village bungalows.

HIGHLIGHTS
“IllumiNations” laser/fireworks/fountain musical spectacle debuted during January press event at Epcot Center. Ground broken for Wonders of Life (MetLife) life and health pavilion in Future World.

In January, Capuchinmonkeys’ breeding colony established on Discovery Island for “Helping Hands” program where monkeys will be trained to assist handicapped people. First monkey off the island adopted by a couple in Interlachen, Fla., on May 31.

In June, motion picture and television production at Disney-MGM Studios began with TV’s “Win, Lose or Draw,” “Siskel & Ebert,” “Carol Burnett Special” and “Superboy” TV series.

In June, manatee education exhibit opened at Epcot Living Seas pavilion.

ANNUAL EVENTS Magic Kingdom musical events: Valentine Heartbeat two nights with Tiffany, Ray Parker Jr., Expose and Regina Bell; A Blast from the Past with The Four Tops, Paul Revere and the Raiders, Spinners, The Turtles and The Grass Roots in April; Grad Nite with Expose and Run D.M.C.; Night of Joy with Stryper in fall.

“The world you have entered was created by The Walt Disney Company and is dedicated to Hollywood -- not a place on a map, but a state of mind that exists wherever people dream and wonder and imagine, a place where illusion and reality are fused by technological magic. We welcome you to a Hollywood that never was -- and always will be.”

OPENINGS
May 1, Disney-MGM Studios theme park opened with movie-making and Tinseltown glamour, major entertainment attractions and behind-the-scenes look at the production process. Chinese Theater and Earffel Tower its major icons.

On June 1, Typhoon Lagoon opened featuring a 95-foot-high mountain, eight water slides and a 2 ½-acre wave pool.

In June, Pleasure Island opened with six exciting nightclubs plus shops and restaurants.

On Oct. 29, Dreamflight (Delta Air Lines) opened in Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland as new fly-through adventure.

The Walt Disney Co. signed an agreement with Henson Associates Inc. for MuppetVision 3-D film adventure as new attraction at Disney-MGM Studios. To celebrate opening of the park, Mickey Mouse toured many cities in his 40-foot-long custom-equipped LiMOUSEine vehicle.

SPECIAL EVENTS On June 21, comedian Harvey Korman greeted the 300-millionth guest at the gates of Disney-MGM Studios. The Mickey Mouse Club headlined the “Walt Disney World Fourth of July Spectacular” TV special. Other guests: Willard Scott, Sandi Patty, New Kids On The Block.

Walt Disney World teamed with “Today” host Bryant Gumbel and the United Negro College Fund for a golf tournament/dinner show benefit featuring Vice President Dan Quayle, 1989 Miss America Debbye Turner, singer Jimmy Buffett and singing duo Ashford and Simpson.

Openings at mid-year: “Here Come The Muppets” theater show featuring Kermit the Frog and Fozzie Bear, “Sorcery in the Sky” fireworks; “Honey I Shrunk the Kids” Movie Set Adventure; Commissary Restaurant; daily appearances by the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

1,509-room Walt Disney World Dolphin, designed by Michael Graves as twin to Walt Disney World Swan(both operated by Sheraton) opened.

International Gateway entrance, located near the France showcase was opened, giving Epcot resort guests convenient access to Epcot.

In November, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort and Disney’s Beach Club Resort debuted.

HIGHLIGHTS During the January opening event, Disney Chairman/CEO Michael D. Eisner unveiled 1990s as The Disney Decade, a comprehensive ten-year plan for Walt Disney World expansion with two dozen new attractions in three theme parks, at least six new resort hotels, a Disney Vacation Club hotel, the residential City of Celebration and a fourth theme park.

Special entertainment events during the year included Jody Watley and Seduction for Grad Nites with host Shadoe Stevens; plus Petra and Carman, Steven Curtis Chapman, Shirley Caesar, DeGarmo & Key, and Rez Band for eighth annual Night of Joy; “Downtown” Julie Brown hosted a “Fourth of July Spectacular” live TV special with Gladys Knight and Jermaine Jackson.

Walt Disney World/Oldsmobile Golf Classic with Central Florida’s first $1-million purse, won by Tim Simpson who also won in 1989.

Magic Kingdom musical events included En Vogue and C&C Music Factory at annual Grad Nite parties; Petra headlined a six-act lineup of contemporary Christian music at the ninth annual Night of Joy in September.

Le Bistro restaurant in the France showcase at Epcot Center was honored with an Ivy Award.

Orlando Naval Training Center’s Volunteer Program honored with $50,000 Bob Allen Outstanding Award while other tri-county non-profit organizations shared $250,000 at the annual Walt Disney World Community Service Awards.

The Yacht and Beach Club resorts honored with Four-Diamond Award from AAA.

FILM & TV PRODUCTION AT DISNEY-MGM STUDIOS AND RESORT LOCATIONS Anne Murray headlined variety special from Walt Disney World over Canadian Broadcasting Corp. television. Featured guests: Julio Iglesias, Patti LaBelle and Andrea Martin.

The New Kids On The Block were featured in a Super Bowl weekend ABC-TV special from Walt Disney World.
“Disney’s Great American Celebration” Fourth of July special on CBS-TV featured Robert Guillaume, Barbara Mandrell, Sheena Easton, the Kentucky Headhunters, Tevin Campbell and C&C Music Factory.

July 27, Unistar Radio Network’s “Super Gold” with host Mike Harvey began programming from
Disney-MGM Studios radio facility.

Fred Willard and Sarah Purcell hosted the “Real People Reunion Special” for NBC-TV, taped before a live audience on Soundstage One at Disney-MGM Studios.

New 4,000-square-foot greenhouse focusing on integrated pest management (IPM) opened at The Land in Epcot Center.

“Aladdin’s Royal Caravan,” rollicking new show on wheels, began year-long run.

2-3-4 Mickey Mouse, the company prop-jet plane that flew Walt Disney and many Disney executives and character tours for 28 years, landed on World Drive and retired to become an attraction on the Backlot at Disney-MGM Studios.

HIGHLIGHTS
Walt Disney World continued 20th Anniversary Celebration.

Mickey Forest, reforestation of 50,000 trees and covering 2,000 acres in Lake and Orange counties, began to be visible from the air as familiar shape of Mickey Mouse face.

Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (ATAS) announced Disney-MGM Studios as East Coast home of ATAS Hall of Fame Plaza. Milton Berle announced new inductees -- Bill Cosby, Andy Griffith, Ted Koppel, Dinah Shore, Ted Turner and Sheldon Leonard -- which were installed in the fall.

In September, first official Disneyana Convention at Disney’s Contemporary Resort for Disney memorabilia collectors from around the world.

John Huston was the winner of the 22nd annual Walt Disney World/Oldsmobile Golf Classic in October.

Kimberly Hursh was named the 1993 ambassador.

Singer John Davidson appeared in Epcot Center’s “Holiday Splendor” show. “CBS This Morning” anchor Paula Zahn narrated the Christmas Story at the annual Candlelight Procession in Magic Kingdom.

New Year’s Eve: Disney-MGM Studios featured “Thirty Years of Rock 'n Roll” with Mitch Ryder, Al Wilson, Otis Day and the Knights, Pat Upton, Jewel Akens, Mickey Dolenz, Donnie Brooks, Flash Cadillac, and Cannibal and the Headhunters. Epcot Center staged Kool and the Gang. Holiday features at Pleasure Island included British rockers Right Said Fred, singer Kenny Loggins, Artie Shaw Orchestra, singer/comedian “Weird Al” Yankovic and the jazz group Spyro Gyra with Sheena Easton, the Fabulous Thunderbirds, the Spinners and country music artist Dave Durham.

Brandon Adams, 10, of Baltimore, Md., arrived at Disney-MGM Studios to become 400-millionth guest to visit a Walt Disney World theme park.

In July, Walt Disney World hosted approximately 250 young athletes at 1992 Junior National Wheelchair Games.

In October, homecoming celebration held for Miss America Leanza Cornett at Disney-MGM Studios. She formerly played Ariel in “Voyage of the Little Mermaid” attraction.

Giant balloons of Santa Goofy, Betty Boop, Kermit the Frog and Humpty Dumpty from the “Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade” floated over Disney-MGM Studios’ New York Street set during Macy’s New York Christmas throughout the holidays.

Cuban hero pilot Orestes Lorenzo Perez, who rescued his wife and children in a daring flight to Cuba
Dec. 19, was honored guest for New Year’s weekend here.

Walt Disney World Resort, one of 17 accorded a Gold Medal among Golf Magazine’s list of America’s Best Resorts.

FILM & TV PRODUCTION AT DISNEY-MGM STUDIOS AND RESORT LOCATIONS
“Adventures in Wonderland,” “Passenger 57,” “Wheel of Fortune,” “Ed McMahon’s Star Search” and “Mickey Mouse Club” were among the major productions using soundstages of Disney-MGM Studios.

March 5-7, celebrities including Johnny Bench, Yogi Berra, Tom Brokaw and Joe DiMaggio joined Bryant Gumbel for the 4th annual Bryant Gumbel/Walt Disney World Celebrity-Amateur Tournament to raise money for the United Negro College Fund.
April 25, Florida Gov. Lawton Chiles celebrated Florida Earth Day at Village Marketplace.

Aug. 8, Central Florida’s first International Beer Festival with 49 varieties of beer from 16 countries held at Pleasure Island as a fund-raiser for Orlando PBS station, WMFE-FM.

Epcot hosted “world’s largest field trip” as school children, teachers and chaperones from nine Central Florida counties explored the park’s educational areas for free.

Nov. 18-21, Walt Disney World brought 6,500 disadvantaged children from around the world to Mickey’s Worldwide Kids Party. A one-hour NBC-TV special, “Disney’s Countdown to Kid’s Day,” capped off the event.

FILM & TV PRODUCTION AT DISNEY-MGM STUDIOS AND RESORT LOCATIONS April 11, Joan Lunden and Regis Philbin helped the Mouse celebrate the Bunny as hosts of the “Happy Easter Parade.” Teen star Joey Lawrence served as man-on-the-street for the ABC-TV show.

June 12, 1,500-seat “Theater of the Stars” on Sunset Boulevard opened with popular “Beauty and the
Beast- Live on Stage” at Disney-MGM Studios.

In July, WDI virtual reality lab opened in Innoventions at Epcot, testing “Aladdin’s Magic Carpet” experience. Other openings: The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™ at Disney-MGM Studios and “Legend of the Lion King” on stage in Magic Kingdom.

Nov. 17-19, 400 children and chaperones from across the nation celebrated 90th anniversary of Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America and Disney’s Kids’ Day at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort.

July 14-16, 13th Walt Disney World Wine Festival featured wines of 75 winemakers and food prepared by Disney’s top chefs at Yacht and Beach Club Convention Center.

Aug. 20, fifth annual Discover Magazine Awards for Technological Innovation held for the first time at Epcot Innoventions.

In September, four Nights of Joy featured DC Talk, Twila Paris, Geoff Moore & The Distance, The Richard Smallwood Singers, Point of Grace and White Heart. Contemporary Christian Music Week included rallies, workshops and seminars plus inaugural America’s Christian Music Awards show from Disney-MGM Studios.

Sept. 8-11, Official Disneyana Convention held at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.

Oct. 5, University High School instructor Robert Catto won top Walt Disney World Teacherrific Award, among 77 honors totaling $200,000 presented at Epcot to Central Florida educators and schools.

Nov. 5-6, more than 80 artists from around the world exhibited at Disney’s Teddy Bear and Doll Convention held at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.

Nov. 11-13, twentieth Festival of the Masters art show at Disney Village Marketplace featured more than 200 award-winning artists with works in nine categories.

Epcot began new “Holidays Around the World” with storytellers, traditional holiday menus, international gift givers, new “Holiday IllumiNations” light, laser and fireworks show and two weeks of Disney’s Candlelight Processional at America Gardens Theatre. Candlelight narrators included Phylicia Rashad, Robert Guillaume and Robert Urich.

SPECIAL EVENTS In January, whimsical Energy Service Headquarters building designed by Robert Venturi for Reedy Creek Improvement Districtopened near Caribbean Beach Resort.

In September, Mary Smith of Decatur, Ill., at Walt Disney World Resort became 1-billionth guest to visit a Disney theme park. She and her family were honored at Walt Disney World then “FedExed” to Disneyland to be grand marshals in afternoon parade.

Music legend Della Reese kicked off the Epcot summer musical salute to Duke Ellington. As part of the “Ellington Under the Stars” salute, an Ellington exhibition from the Smithsonian was presented at American Adventure. Other guest performers included: Diane Schuur, Rosemary Clooney, Mercer Ellington, Billy Taylor, Joe Williams and Lionel Hampton.

Other mid-year fun: summer street parties were held nightly on New York Street at Disney-MGM Studios. Pleasure Island was home of the sights, sounds and tastes of the Caribbean all summer long as the complex celebrated “Hot Island Nights.”

Sept. 22-25, thousands of Barbie enthusiasts gathered at the Contemporary Resort for the first Mattel-sponsored collectors’ convention.

Mighty Ducks of Anaheim hockey team given ticker-tape parade at Disney-MGM Studios hailing first season of play.

In June, more than 300 Walt Disney World cast members with foreign language skills helped during the Orlando-hosted World Cup Soccer games.

ESPN announced Disney’s BoardWalk will be home to the first ESPN sports club.

Sept. 8-11, more than 50 celebrities joined Charles Barkley for his second annual celebrity golf invitational.

Sept. 9-11, inaugural Walt Disney World Soccer Classic kicked off.

Oct. 6-9, Rick Fehr postponed hernia surgery to play the 1994 Walt Disney World/Oldsmobile Golf Classic and won his first tournament since 1986 -- $198,000.

Dec. 8, Disney-MGM Studios hosted Home Depot College Football Awards, broadcast live on ESPN.

Dec. 9, at Contemporary Resort, tenth annual Butkus Award, recognizing best linebacker of the 1994 college football season.

Golfweek magazine’s ranking of “America’s Best Courses for 1994” listed Walt Disney World Resort as the only facility in the nation to place three of its courses (Magnolia, Palm and Osprey Ridge) on the list.

For the second time, Walt Disney World earned the Gold Medal for golf, awarded by Golf Magazine.

Sept. 6-10, more than 2,300 collectors of Disney art and memorabilia attended fifth Official Disneyana Convention at Contemporary Resort. Magic Kingdom Dumbo car sold for $30,000.

Sept. 8, 9 and 15, multi-Grammy Award-winner Steven Curtis Chapman and Contemporary Christian Artist of the Year Carman topped 13th annual Night of Joy. Other acts: Shirley Caesar, Point of Grace, Audio Adrenaline and East to West.

The Living Seas at Epcot instituted three new programs: overnight adventure for children ages 7 to 11, participants sleep on observation deck in SeaBase Alpha; Dolphin Exploration and Education Program (DEEP), three-hour program for guests to participate in actual scientific dolphin research; DiveQuest,
2 ½-hour program allowing guests to scuba dive in attraction’s 6-million-gallon saltwater tank, home to sharks, sea turtles, eagle rays and 60 other varieties of sea life.

The 1943 Best Picture Academy Award for “Casablanca” displayed at Disney-MGM Studios before going on auction block.

Fifty contestants for Miss America 1996 at Walt Disney World over Labor Day weekend to tape segments of a show to be aired during the pageant in Atlantic City on NBC-TV.

Other production included: United Cerebral Palsy telethon, episodes of “Thunder in Paradise,” a Pepsi commercial with Shaquille O’Neil, two “Weddings of a Lifetime” television specials, the Miss Collegiate African-American Pageant and STOMP!, the final season of “Mickey Mouse Club,” “Walt Disney World Inside Out,” episodes of “Fortune Hunter,” “MTV SandBlast,” and “Disney’s Sing me a Story with Belle.”

SPORTS
Jan. 8, more than 6,000 runners competed in second annual Walt Disney World Marathon presented by HealthSouth. The 26.2-mile course ran through all three major Disney entertainment parks, with Leonid Shvetsov of Russia finishing first overall for the second consecutive year. Judit Nagy of Hungary repeated as the women’s overall winner.

1996 OPENINGS
Feb. 9, unique Disney Institute opened in campus-like setting for vacationers seeking fun and self-enrichment in customized vacation programs from animation and photography to sports, cooking and gardening. Full-service spa. Also groups seeking professional development and team building.

In February, American Film Institute (AFI) Showcase opened at Disney-MGM Studios celebrating 100 years of American filmmaking.

In May, Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf opened near Disney’s BoardWalk.

In June, medieval puppets, 19 live performers and elaborate sets developed for “Disney’s Hunchback of Notre Dame-A Musical Adventure” displayed on-stage at Disney-MGM Studios with music from the latest Disney animated film score by Alan Menken and Stephen Schwarz.

In July, Disney’s BoardWalk -- Inn, Villas and entertainment center -- major restaurants and nightspots along the Crescent Lake boardwalk. The rousing ESPN Club restaurant, sports bar and multi-media entertainment center was a special feature.

On Oct. 1, First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton, Roy E. Disney and Michael D. Eisner, in front of Cinderella Castle transformed into giant pink birthday cake, kicked off a 16-month-long 25th Anniversary celebration. Thepremiere included 2,000-member marching band, 2,500 underprivileged children from Boys and Girls Clubs of America and inaugural of the 25th Anniversary parade with “stop-action” street performances featuring music and stars of some of Disney’s most famous films.

SPORTS Jan. 7, third Walt Disney World Marathon presented by HealthSouth ran with 7,500 celebrities and amateur runners on a 26.2-mile course through three theme parks, Blizzard Beach and resorts. Included public FamilyFun Run for the first time. Miguel Upegui of Colombia won the men’s overall and Lyubou Klochko of the Ukraine won women’s overall.

Second annual HealthSouth Inaugural -- first full-field event of theLPGA tournament season -- was won by young sensation Karrie Webb on Lake Buena Vista course.

1997 OPENINGS
Disney’s Wide World of Sports opened 200-acre complex of athletic grounds, fieldhouse and 7,500-seat stadium with Atlanta Braves spring training game against Cincinnati Reds. AAU competitions held throughout the year. Also the official training site for Harlem Globetrotters and Atlanta Braves.

In June, Disney-MGM Studios saluted Disney’s 35th animated film with all new “Hercules Zero to Hero Parade.”

Disney’s Magical Holidays included: Spectacle of Lights at Disney-MGM Studios, with the Osborne Family Light Display; Holidays Around the World at Epcot with nightly Candlelight Processional; “Jolly Holidays Dinner Show” at Contemporary Resort; and seven “Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parties” in Magic Kingdom.

In July, Space Week at Epcot celebrated the 28th anniversary of man’s first landing on the moon with special presentations in Future World.

In August, Drum Corps International staged its “25th Anniversary Championship Parade” around World Showcase Lagoon at Epcot.

NOTABLE
25th Anniversary Party, extended throughout 1997 until Jan. 31, 1998, added even more entertainment and features for returning guests.

FILM & TV PRODUCTION AT DISNEY-MGM STUDIOS AND RESORT LOCATIONS In February, HBO’s “From the Earth to the Moon” began shooting 13-part TV drama at Disney-MGM Studios with two-time Academy Award winner Tom Hanks as executive producer. ABC-TV 25th Anniversary Special featuring Michael J. Fox, Rosie O’Donnell, Drew Carey, Donna Summer and the Village People aired.

In March, Big Bang series of country, rock and pop music radio specials from Pleasure Island, Disney Institute and Disney’s BoardWalk began taping. Syndicated nationwide by National Music Critics Assn. and Premiere Radio Networks, it reached more than 800,000 listeners with LeAnn Rimes Special. Other guests included Trisha Yearwood, Kathy Mattea, World Party, Matthew Sweet, Duncan Sheik, Abra Moore.

April 19, third annual Nike Hoop Summit for high school senior boys basketball players was first event in the fieldhouse at Disney’s Wide World of Sports. Event showcases U.S. top high school senior boys basketball players competing against team of top teen-age players from around the world.

April 22-27, Disney’s Wide World of Sports hosted US National Wrestling Championships in its 5,000-seat fieldhouse.

In April, top NFL Quarterbacks in FootAction USA NFL Quarterback Challenge included Neil O’Donnell, Brett Farve, Drew Bledsoe, Dan Marino and Mark Brunell, held for the first time at Disney’s Wide World of Sports complex.

Other Wide World of Sports events included USA Junior Olympic Boys and Girls National Gymnastics Championships in May; USA Trampoline & Tumbling National Championships in June; 1997 Sunshine State Games Track & Field Championships in July; US Gymnastics National Gymfest, Kick-off Classic for high school footballers, the 64-team AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Tour and a special Youth Turn Back the Clock Baseball Event where youngsters wore 19th century baseball gear in August; and Basketball Hall of Fame Parent/Child Clinicin September.

In April, the new Walt Disney Feature Animation Florida building opened at Disney-MGM Studios, a 200,000-square-foot facility housing more than 400 animation artists and support staff.

The fourth theme park at Walt Disney World Resort, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, opened April 22.

In May and June, two new clubs opened at Pleasure Island: Wildhorse Saloon, featuring country music and dance, and BET SoundStage Club, with the latest hip-hop music.

In June, DisneyQuest, with five floors of virtual adventures, opened at Downtown Disney West Side.

In June, the “Mulan” parade, inspired by the hit animated film “Mulan,” premiered at Disney-MGM Studios.

On July 30, Disney Cruise Line launched its first ship, the Disney Magic.

In October, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin opened in Tomorrowland in Magic Kingdom.

In October, “Fantasmic!” premiered at Disney-MGM Studios.

At the Polynesian Resort, the new Kona Cafe restaurant opened in November.

ANNUAL EVENTS
In February, Black History Month was celebrated across Walt Disney World Resort.

In April, the sixth annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival showcased more than a million blooms.

“Disney’s Easter Parade” was April 11 and April 12, broadcast on television on April 12.

In September, the 16th annual Night of Joy was held in Magic Kingdom.

In September, Latin Rhythm Nights was celebrated at Pleasure Island.

The annual Disneyana Convention was Sept. 5-11 at the Contemporary Resort.

The Pleasure Island Jazz Festival was in October.

Also in October, the third annual Epcot International Food and Wine Festival opened at Epcot.

At Downtown Disney, Festival of the Masters art show was held in November.

In November, the Spectacle of Lights debuted for the holiday season at Disney-MGM Studios. Also at the studios in November, the third annual ABC Super Soap Weekend hosted stars of hit ABC daytime dramas.

The Teddy Bear and Doll Convention convened in November at the Contemporary Resort and Epcot.

In December, “Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party” was celebrated in Magic Kingdom. At Epcot, the annual Candlelight Processional retold the Christmas story to capacity crowds at America Gardens Theatre.

SPORTS
In January, runners followed a 26.2-mile course across Walt Disney World Resort in the fifth annual Walt Disney World Marathon. Men’s winner was Santiago Francisco de Araujo of Brazil; women’s champion was Ukrainian Luybov Klochko.

January also was the third running of the Indy 200 at Walt Disney World Speedway. Tony Stewart won the race.

In February and March, the Atlanta Braves had their first full season of spring training at Disney’s Wide World of Sports.

In April, the U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championships were at Disney’s Wide World of Sports. Jim Courier won the tournament.

In May, top NFL quarterbacks participated in the FootAction USA NFL Quarterback Challenge at Disney’s Wide World of Sports.

In July, the Major League Soccer All-Star Weekend was held at Disney’s Wide World of Sports.

In November, Disney hosted the Major League Baseball Players’ Choice Awards.

In October, the 28th annual National Car Rental Golf Classic was played on the Palm and Magnolia courses. John Huston, with a 16-under-par 272, collected a winner’s check of $360,000 from a purse of
$2 million. It was Huston’s second victory in the Classic. He earlier won in 1992.

In December, Disney hosted the national Pop Warner Super Bowl for young football players from across the U.S.

In December, Walt Disney World was the site of the College Football Awards.

Also in December, the Harlem Globetrotters Holiday Series was staged at Disney’s Wide World of Sports.

In May, the “Main Street Electrical Parade” from Disneyland began in Magic Kingdom.

In June, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh opened in Fantasyland.

In June at Disney-MGM Studios, “Bear in the Big Blue House” live stage show opened in Soundstage 5.

In July, Fairy Tale Garden opened in Fantasyland in Magic Kingdom. Characters such as Belle from “Beauty and the Beast” tell short stories throughout the day.

At Disney’s Animal Kingdom in July, “Tarzan Rocks!” debuted, a new stage show described as a rock concert with extreme sports, stunts and dancing.

Also in July, Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith opened at Disney-MGM Studios.

In August, Disney Cruise Line launched its second ship, the Disney Wonder.

In September, Tangierine Café opened in Morocco in Epcot World Showcase.

On Oct. 1, Millennium Village, with exhibits from more than 35 countries, opened in Epcot World Showcase. Also that day, “IllumiNations 2000: Reflections of Earth” debuted at Epcot, along with “Tapestry of Nations” street festival. Also opening in World Showcase: a Roots boutique in Canada, a Helly Hansen shop in Norway and Armani in Italy. In Future World, Mouse Gear, a 25,000-square-foot retail shop opened. Also in Future World, Journey Into YourImagination and the Kodak “What If?” Labs opened. And the new and enhanced Innoventions also opened in Future World.

ANNUAL EVENTS
In February, Black History Month was celebrated across Walt Disney World Resort.

“Disney’s Easter Parade” was April 3 and 4, with a television broadcast on April 4.

In September, the 17th annual Night of Joy was held in Magic Kingdom, and the annual Latin Rhythm Nights was at Downtown Disney Pleasure Island.

The annual Disneyana Convention was Sept. 5-11 at the Contemporary Resort.

In October, the fourth annual Epcot International Food and Wine Festival opened.

The Pleasure Island Jazz Festival was in October.

At Downtown Disney, the 20th annual Festival of the Masters art show was held in November.
In November, the Spectacle of Lights debuted for the holiday season at Disney-MGM Studios. Also at the studios in November, the fourth annual ABC Super Soap Weekend hosted stars of hit ABC daytime dramas.

The Teddy Bear and Doll Convention convened in November at the Contemporary Resort and Epcot.

In December: “Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party” was celebrated in Magic Kingdom; the annual Candlelight Processional retold the Christmas story to capacity crowds in Epcot.

SPECIAL EVENTS At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, guests could observe the painstaking re-assembly of the excavated bones of “Sue,” the famous Tyrannosaurus rex on loan from Chicago’s Field Museum.

In May, Disney-MGM Studios celebrated its 10th anniversary.

In June, Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance began a 16-week run at America Gardens Theatre at Epcot.

In October, Walt Disney World Resort kicked off the 15-month-long Millennium Celebration.

In November, FASTPASS was introduced in the theme parks, a computerized system designed to cut guests wait in attraction lines.

NOTABLE On Jan. 10, Horizons in Future World at Epcot officially closed.

On Feb. 15, Magic Kingdom celebrated its 10,000th day of operation, after opening its gates to guests on Oct. 1, 1971.

In March, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™ added more drops, changed its drop patterns and enhanced the other special effects.

In April, Discovery Island was officially closed.

On Sept. 14, for the first time in the history of Walt Disney World Resort, all theme parks were closed early to prepare for Hurricane Floyd. On Sept. 15, all theme parks, water parks and recreation areas were closed due to anticipation of Hurricane Floyd’s arrival, but Disney’s Animal Kingdom opened by noon. (Central Florida was spared the brunt of the hurricane.)

In November, the Skyway attraction in Magic Kingdom closed.

In November, the Tomorrowland Speedway was renamed Tomorrowland Indy Speedway.

SPORTS In January, runners followed a 26.2-mile course across Walt Disney World Resort in the fifth annual Walt Disney World Marathon. Santiago Francisco de Araujo of Brazil won the men’s division for the second year in a row; top female finisher was Marina Jones of Rancho Margarita, Calif.

January was the fourth running of the Indy 200 at Walt Disney World Speedway.

In February and March, the Atlanta Braves conducted spring training at Disney’s Wide World of Sports.

In April, top NFL quarterbacks participated in the FootAction USA NFL Quarterback Challenge at Disney’s Wide World of Sports.

In April the U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championships were at Disney’s Wide World of Sports. Magnus Norman claimed victory.
In October, Disney’s Wide World of Sports hosted more than 12,400 athletes at the 1999 National Senior Games. The competition was the largest senior multisports event in the U.S.

In October, the 29th annual National Car Rental Golf Classic was played on the Palm and Magnolia courses. Tiger Woods won with a 17-under-par 271, by one stroke over Ernie Els. Woods collected a Classic record winner’s check of $450,000 from a record $2.5-million purse. It was Woods’ second Classic win. He also won in 1996.

In December, Disney hosted the Pop Warner Super Bowl for young football teams from across the country.

In December, Disney was the site of the College Football Awards.

Also in December, the Harlem Globetrotters Holiday Series was staged at Disney’s Wide World of Sports.

2000 OPENINGS
In May, DisneyQuest opened a new hi-tech, virtual reality adventure based on Pirates of the Caribbean.
In June, “Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular!” re-opened after a six-month refurbishment. Six hundred special guests named Jones attended.
Throughout the year, updates of tomorrow’s technologies were added to Innoventions.

In December: The Villas at Wilderness Lodge opened, aDisney Vacation Club resort inspired by the Old West with 136 one- and-two-room villas adjacent to Disney’s Wilderness Lodge; Agrabah Bazaar in Magic Kingdom opened.

November events also included the 25th annual Festival of the Masters with the addition of “A Taste of Downtown Disney” featuring samplings of favorite menu items at the entertainment area’s top restaurants.

Also in November,the Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights returned with five million twinkling lights.

In December, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party added extra excitement and Disney’s Magical Holidays transformed Magic Kingdom each night with dazzling light shows, winter “snow” and special parades. As part of Epcot’s international holiday celebration, Holidays Around the World, the annual Candlelight Processional continued throughout the month. Celebrity narrators included Jodi Benson, Angela Bassett, Ben Vereen, Robert Urich, Phylicia Rashad, Robby Benson and Gary Sinise.

SPECIAL EVENTS
The gala Millennium Celebration expanded and continued with special activities, parades and nighttime spectacles centered in Epcot for the entire year.

In January, Walt Disney World staged an unforgettable half-time show for Super Bowl XXXV in Atlanta incorporating major elements of Epcot’s Millennium parade, “Tapestry of Nations.” In support of its “Tarzan Rocks”musical show, Disney’s Animal Kingdom staged a Tarzan Yelling Contest, which drew enthusiastic young screamers from all over the world.

In May, Epcot took its exciting “Tapestry of Nations” parade to Miami as a major feature of the city’s Carnaval Celebration.

In June, Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance returned for a second brilliant summer run in America Gardens Theatre. Disney Imagineers announced beginning of construction on a forthcoming major Epcot thrill-adventure - Mission: SPACE. And 2,000 very exceptional “children who make a difference” were flown to Walt Disney World from all over the world by Walt Disney Co. and McDonalds to take part in an inspiring Millennium Dreamers weekend of fun.

For July 4th, Disney bakers created a giant red, white and blue American Flag Cobbler with strawberries, blueberries and white batter baked to create Old Glory, gourmet style.

In August, the United Kingdom pavilion in Epcot joined in celebrating the 100th birthday of Britain’s Queen Mum with a five-foot cake shaped like a fancy royal garden hat.

In August, the Disney Magic embarked on her first seven-night Eastern Caribbean cruise which included
St. Maarten, St. Thomas and Castaway Cay; Disney Wonder added Grand Bahama island to its itinerary.

A giant hot-air balloon replica of Spaceship Earth with its “2000” logo appendage toured throughout the East in September as part of Disney’s Millennium Celebration.

In November, Victoria & Albert’s at the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa became the only restaurant in Central Florida to capture AAA’s coveted Five-Diamond Award.

FILM & TV PRODUCTION AT DISNEY-MGM STUDIOS AND RESORT LOCATIONS
ABC-TV correspondent Deborah Roberts reported from Epcot as part of her network’s historic 24-hour New Year’s Eve telecast to begin the millennium.

In January, ESPN broadcasted for a week from Disney’s BoardWalk during baseball spring training.

In May, “The Rosie O’Donnell Show” telecast a week of shows featuring Rosie’s first Disney vacation, and Oprah Winfrey featured the Millennium Dreamers event on her syndicated show. Summer Jam musical event was televised on ABC-TV.

ABC-TV aired two Christmas Specials from Walt Disney World sites --one hosted by Regis Philbin, the other by ‘N Sync and starred Harry Connick Jr. and James Ingram.

SPORTS
In January, at the bigger-than-ever Walt Disney World Marathon presented by Footlocker,Brazilian Jose Silva bested his countryman Santiago Francisco de Araujo, the two-time defending champion. Jennifer Owens of Stafford, Va., won the women’s division in the first race of her career.

Indy Auto Racing shared the January spotlight. Starting in 22nd position, driver Robbie Buhl passed Eddie Cheever Jr. with just 1½ laps to go to win the fifth (and last of inaugural series) Indy Racing League’s Delphi Indy 200 on the Walt Disney World race track, which is now the venue for the Richard Petty Driving Experience.

The Atlanta Braves returned for their spring training season at Disney’s Wide World of Sports complex.

In June, the 2000 U.S. Transplant Games at Disney’s Wide World of Sports staged 13 Olympic-style sports competitions with 2,000 individuals who have received or donated life-saving organs as competitors.

The Harlem Globetrotters played a four-game basketball set at Disney’s Wide World of Sports complex over Thanksgiving weekend.

Pro-Golfer Duffy Waldorf surprised tournament leaders Tiger Woods and Steve Flesch with record-tying total of 262 with a birdie on his final hole to capture the National Car Rental Golf Classic with a final round 62.

2001OPENINGS
In April, Disney-MGM Studios opened “Who Wants to Be A Millionaire-Play It!” replicating the high-tech show set and guest experience of the super-hit TV quiz show. Guests play for points, not dollars.

On April 16, Animal Kingdom Lodge opened. The resort features sweeping views of a 33-acre tropical savannah where exotic animals roam freely.
Also in April, the Port Orleans and Dixie Landings resorts merged to become Port Orleans Resort-Riverside and Port Orleans Resort-French Quarter.

In May, The Magic Carpets of Aladdin attraction opened at Magic Kingdom, featuring 16 four-passenger “carpets” carrying guests on a rocking journey around a giant Genie bottle.

In July, Magic Masters opened at Downtown Disney West Side and Motion opened at Downtown Disney Pleasure Island.

Also in October, the following parades debuted: “Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle” at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, “Share a Dream Come True” at Magic Kingdom, “Disney Stars and Motor Cars”at
Disney-MGM Studios, and at Epcot, “Tapestry of Nations” became the “Tapestry of Dreams” parade.

In September,Night of Joy featured many outstanding performers including Kirk Franklin and Michael W. Smith.

November at Disney-MGM Studios featured the sixth annual ABC Super Soap Weekend with stars from four ABC Daytime dramas: “General Hospital,” “One Live to Live,” “Port Charles” and “All My Children.”

For 2001’s holiday season, Magic Kingdom set a record 11 nights for “Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parties”; Disney-MGM Studios expanded the Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights to 45 days; and Epcot celebrated 31 days of Holidays Around the World.

SPECIAL EVENTS In May, Disney Cruise Line announced a seven-night Western Caribbean cruise which included stops at Key West, Grand Cayman and Cozumel.

In June, Epcot introduced “The Power of Blast!” for a series of daily summer performances based on the explosive hit Broadway show “Blast!” on stage at America Gardens Theatre.

October in Downtown Disney Pleasure Island brought Al Ritmos and other stars for Latin Rhythm Nights.

Highlights of October:Walt Disney World Resort began its greatest party, the 100 Years of Magic celebration, a property-wide extravaganza which spotlighted the genius of Walt Disney during the 100 years since his birth in December 1901.

NOTABLE
On Sept. 11, for only the second time in the history of Walt Disney World Resort, all theme parks were closed early (approximately 11 a.m.) in response to the terrorist attacks that took place at the World Trade Center in New York City and at the Pentagon in Washington. All parks opened according to regularly scheduled hours of operation the following day.

Victoria & Albert’s received a Five-Diamond Rating from AAA Guidebook.

FILM & TV PRODUCTION AT DISNEY-MGM STUDIOS AND RESORT LOCATIONS “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” with segments from Walt Disney World received highest ratings ever.

“The Rosie O’Donnell Show” returned during February sweeps for top afternoon ratings.

In May, “Live with Regis and Kelly” aired two shows with segments taped with Regis at the premier of “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire-Play It!” “Live with Regis and Kelly” syndicated show telecast from Walt Disney World during the opening of the 100 Years of Magic celebration. Michael J. Fox hosted a 100 Years of Magic show on ABC Radio. Discovery Channel’s “Seven Wonders” began airing Disney Cruise Line special reports in May.

The syndicated adventure series “Sheena,” working out of Disney-MGM Studios, continued filming its weekly shows throughout the Orlando area.

John Goodman hosted the ABC Radio Christmas show in December. The ABC-TV Christmas show featured Jessica Simpson, 98 Degrees and SheDaisy.

SPORTS In January, more than 14,000 runners jogged through Walt Disney World parks, resort grounds and Disney’s Wide World of Sports in the ever-growing Walt Disney World Marathon presented by Foot Locker. The winnerwasnewcomer Chris Teague of Norwood, Mass., and Brazilian Ilda A. Santos won the women’s division.

In March, the Atlanta Braves returned for spring training at Disney’s Wide World of Sports.

In the summer, Orlando Rays Minor League Baseball Team played their second season at the complex.

In October, Jose Coceres of Argentina won the National Car Rental Golf Classic, becoming the first international player to claim the crown in the Classic’s 31-year history.

2002 OPENINGS
On April 18, the Primeval Whirl coaster ride opened in Chester & Hester’s Dino-Rama! at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

On June 1, Journey Into Imagination with Figment opened in the Imagination! pavilion at Epcot.

In July, Beach Club Villas added a Disney Vacation Club presence to the Beach Club Resort.

Get Happy…With ABC! opened at Disney-MGM Studios. ABC stars of the fall lineup who were on hand included Drew Carey, Bonnie Hunt, Gordon Clapp, Bill Brochtrup, John Ritter and Katey Sagal.

In August, Once Upon a Toy, a new merchandise location, had its grand opening at Downtown Disney Marketplace.

On Dec. 31, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror debuted a new drop sequence. This was the fourth show enhancement since the attraction opened on July 22, 1994. The entirely new drop sequence placed computers in control of the ride experience for the first time, making each ride sequence unique and random.

In December, “Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party” was held at Magic Kingdom, and once again featured “snow” on Main Street, U.S.A. The annual Candlelight Processional took place at Epcot.

SPECIAL EVENTS
The 100 Years of Magic celebration continued through the end of the year.

NOTABLE Walt Disney World Resort received the honor of a Gold Medal Designation in the January edition of Golf Magazine. Disney was one of only two Florida gold medal winners (of 22).

FILM & TV PRODUCTION AT DISNEY-MGM STUDIOS AND RESORT LOCATIONS
In February, “EXTRA,” the nationally syndicated show, shot footage at some of the theme parks and the Polynesian Resort of three families of New York firefighters who died in the Sept. 11, 2001, World Trade Center collapse.

The “B. Smith with Style!” syndicated healthy living TV show shot segments for the fall season at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and at Animal Kingdom Lodge.

In November, “Good Day New York/Good Day Live” had a reporter go live from Walt DisneyWorld. “Good Day Live” went to 108 FOX affiliates.

In December, ABC-TV aired the “Walt Disney World Christmas Parade,” which featured hosts Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa at Magic Kingdom.

SPORTS
In January, a record 18,500 runners, walkers and wheelchair athletes entered the 2002 Walt Disney World Marathon and Half Marathon. The men’s division winner was British Naval officer Dai Roberts.

In March, the Atlanta Braves returned for spring training at Disney’s Wide World of Sports.

In the summer, the Orlando Rays Minor League Baseball Team played at Cracker Jack Stadium.

In October, Bob Burns earned his first PGA TOUR victory at the annual Golf Classic.

In December, Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex hosted the Pop Warner Super Bowl for the eighth consecutive year.

On July 1, “Goofy’s Country Dancin' Jamboree,” a new country music dance party, opened at the Diamond Horseshoe Saloon in Liberty Square at Magic Kingdom.

On Aug. 15, Mission: SPACE opened in Future World at Epcot. Grand opening and dedication festivities took place on Oct. 9.
On Sept. 30, “Mickey’s PhilharMagic,” a new 3-D film attraction, opened in the Fantasyland Theater.

On Oct. 9, “Wishes,” a new fireworks show, debuted at Magic Kingdom, replacing the long-running “Fantasy in the Sky”.

From Aug. 28-Sept. 1, Walt Disney World hosted the Tom Joyner Family Reunion, featuring syndicated radio personality Tom Joyner.
Nov. 18 marked the 75th anniversary of Mickey Mouse. In honor of this special day, 75 six-feet-tall,
700-pound Mickey Mouse statues, designed by 75 celebrities, actors, athletes, musicians and artists, were unveiled in a ceremony at Magic Kingdom. Disney Chairman/CEO Michael D. Eisner kicked off the festivities.

On New Year’s Eve, Cirque du Soleil® presented a special New Year production of La Nouba. Guests received champagne and a limited edition show program including a special insert containing performers’ signatures.

NOTABLE
Disney announced a new program called Magical Gatherings, a multi-faceted and unprecedented program of new products and services designed with extended travel groups in mind. Organizing a Walt Disney World vacation can be done easily with the assistance of online planning tools.

Travel & Leisure Magazine rated Disney’s Boardwalk as one of the 500 Greatest Hotels in the World.

FILM & TV PRODUCTION AT DISNEY-MGM STUDIOS AND RESORT LOCATIONS
In April, “Trading Spaces,” the popular show from The Learning Channel, taped at Magic Kingdom.

In October, the “Wayne Brady Show” taped several episodes at Walt Disney World.

In December, the 20th annual nationwide telecast of the “Walt Disney World Christmas Parade” aired on ABC-TV with Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa as hosts. For this milestone broadcast, “American Idol” favorite Clay Aiken headlined an impressive lineup of stars from Enrique Iglesias to Wayne Brady.

Also in December, The Travel Channel aired a “Walt Disney World Holidays”special,withSamantha Brown as host.

SPORTS In January, Walt Disney World hosted the 10th annual Walt Disney World Marathon and celebrated by honoring 149 runners who participated in all 9 previous marathon events, dating back to the inaugural trek through the Vacation Kingdom in 1994.

In March, the Atlanta Braves returned for spring training at Disney’s Wide World of Sports.

In the summer, the Orlando Rays minor league baseball teamplayed at Cracker Jack Stadium.

In October, the 33rd annual Golf Classic took place, sponsored by Funai. Vijay Singh took first place.

2004 OPENINGS On March 19, Earl of Sandwichopened at Downtown Disney Marketplace. Grand opening moment took place at Downtown Disney during same-day press event celebration.

In May, Mission: SPACE Race Online debuted at Epcot. This marked the first time guests at home could connect with in-park guests in a game at a Disney theme park. While Epcot guests played on giant screens inside the Mission: SPACE attraction, guests at home played on their personal computers.

In September, "Echoes of Africa" premiered as the inaugural exhibit at the American Heritage Gallery in The American Adventure pavilion at Epcot. The exhibit is scheduled to run for three years.

On Nov. 16, Stitch’s Great Escape!a kid-friendly Tomorrowland adventure, opened at Magic Kingdom. Grand opening and dedication festivities took place at Magic Kingdom during same-day press event celebration.

On Nov. 16, “Turtle Talk With Crush,”a breakthrough experience in real-time animation, debuted at Epcot. Grand opening and dedication festivities took place at Epcot during same-day press event celebration.

On Nov. 16, Bruce’s Shark World opened in The Living Seas at Epcot. Grand opening and dedication festivities took place at Epcot during same-day press event celebration.

In November, The Magic of Disney Animation officially reopened at Disney-MGM Studios after undergoing refurbishment.

In November, Downtown Disney held the 29th annual Festival of the Masters, featuring more artists than ever before.

For the holiday season, the Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights returned to Disney-MGM Studios, the Magic Kingdom held 12 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parties, and Epcot hosted the 34th annual Candlelight Processional. “Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle” parade at Disney’s Animal Kingdom was given a seasonal twist and became “Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade.”

SPECIAL EVENTS In December, Disney’s PhotoPass was introduced in the theme parks as an innovative way for guests to retrieve photos online.

In August, the 20-acre Hess Sports Fields were added as the first major venue expansion to Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex.

On Aug. 13, for the third time in the history of Walt Disney World Resort, all theme parks were closed early to prepare for Hurricane Charley.

All Walt Disney World Resort theme parks, water parks and recreation areas operated on an abbreviated schedule Sept. 3 to prepare for Hurricane Frances. Then for the fourth time in the history of Walt Disney World Resort, all attractions closed Sept. 4-5 due to the hurricane. Disney-MGM Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom remained closed Sept. 6.

On Sept. 2, the 2nd Tom Joyner Family Reunion (scheduled for Sept. 3-6) was canceled due to Hurricane Frances.

In December the 21st nationwide telecast of the “Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade” aired on ABC-TV with Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa as hosts. Mariah Carey and “American Idol” favorite Diana DeGarmo headlined an impressive lineup of stars.

In May, The Magic Carpets of Aladdin debuted at Magic Kingdom. This marked the first new attraction for Adventureland in 25 years.

In May, Agrabah Bazaar, a Middle Eastern open-air marketplace, opened in Magic Kingdom.
Additional openings in May as part of “The Happiest Celebration on Earth,” included Soarin’ at Epcot, “Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show” at Disney-MGM Studios and the stage show “Cinderellabration” at Magic Kingdom.

In July, Chicken Little and Abby Mallard (aka the Ugly Duckling) joined the family of stars at
Disney-MGM Studios.

In August, The Studios Catering Co. Flatbread Grill opened at Disney-MGM Studios with a Mediterranean-inspired menu.

April 15-June 5, the12th annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival showcased displays themed to “The Happiest Celebration on Earth” and added the Butterfly House, showcasing several species of butterflies and lush foliage. Flower Power concerts returned to America Gardens Theatre. Each festival weekend featured a different theme, such as Art in the Garden weekend and Photography weekend.

May 4-27, Star Wars Weekends were held at Disney-MGM Studios.
Sept. 9-10, the 23rd annual Night of Joy had a lineup of 21 contemporary Christian music acts. Music from “Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe” soundtrack was featured.

Sept. 30- Nov. 13, the 10th annual Epcot International Food and Wine Festivalfeatured wineries from around the world and more than 25 marketplaces. The Odyssey Cooking School debuted along with new wine schools and themed specialty dinners.

In September and October, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party was held on 15 select nights.

Nov. 11-13, Downtown Disney held the 30th annual Festival of the Masters, featuring more than 200 artists showcasing painting, photography, glass works, sculpture, printmaking, drawing, jewelry and, for the first time, digital art.

For the holiday season, the Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights returned to Disney-MGM Studios, Magic Kingdom held 14 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parties and Epcot hosted the 35th annual Candlelight Processional.

In December, Downtown Disney Pleasure Island ushered in the New Year with its annual Island-Wide Street Party. Performances by Smashmouth, S.O.S. Band and Paul Jackson, Jr.

Feb. 11, 12 & 14, Pleasure Island became Sweetheart Island, celebrating Valentine’s Day.
March 20-April 2, Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny joined the gang in Magic Kingdom to celebrate Easter with park guests. On March 27, the pair served as Grand Marshals for the daily parade.

In July, the Hong Kong Disneyland Preview Center opened in Epcot’s China pavilion, giving guests a look at plans, photos, costumes, maps and artwork for the park, which opened Sept. 12, 2005.

On July 28, Lucky the Dinosaur spent his last day mingling with guests and signing autographs in Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Sept. 1-4, Tom Joyner Family Reunion featured musical acts Ashanti, Omarion, Bow Wow, and Lionel Richie, as well as comedian Damon Wayans.
In October, little girls were chosen as Cinderella Honorary Princesses of the Day in celebration of the first-time DVD release of the motion picture, “Cinderella.”

Nov. 24-Jan. 1, 2006, Magic Kingdom honored U.S. Military families. Each day, a family joined Disney characters as part of the Train Station Welcome Ceremony at park opening. A second family presided as
Grand Marshal of the “Share a Dream Come True” parade. In addition, military veterans were selected each day at sundown to participate in the flag retreat ceremony.

Walt Disney World celebrated “The Happiest Celebration on Earth” throughout the year.

NOTABLE
In January, Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa earned a Five Diamond distinction from AAA for the fifth consecutive year. The restaurant was one of just 57 restaurants in North America to receive the honor. Victoria & Albert’s was also awarded four stars by the 2005 Mobil Travel Guide – one of only two restaurants in Central Florida to earn the honor.

In January, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge was voted among the “Top 20 Hotels of the World” in Fodor’s Choice Hotels 2005.

Also in January, Disney introduced the “Magic Your Way,” ticketing system, allowing guests to customize vacations to their specific needs and wants, and Goofy’s Candy Company in Downtown Disney was expanded to include an interactive show kitchen.

On Feb. 15, Disney’s Animal Kingdom began a new Wildlife Discovery Excursion for concierge level guests, donating all proceeds to the Disney Wildlife Conservation Fund.

In June, Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Disney’s Polynesian Resort began a renovation on guestrooms, a special “Happiest Celebration on Earth” edition of Pal Mickey debuted, and The Land pavilion at Epcot reopened with new dining options and a new look.

On Aug. 1, Disney introduced a Shopping & Dining Gift Card for use at select Walt Disney World merchandise and food and beverage locations.

In November, Walt Disney World introduced “Lunch with Walt Disney World Animal Programs,” at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge where guests receive an up-close-and-personal experience with a dolphin trainer, veterinarian or animal curator.

Also in November, Lilo, Stitch and Pluto began appearances at ‘Ohana in Disney’s Polynesian Resort, and the Disney Magic cruise ship received additions and amenities during its October dry dock including a jumbo outdoor LED screen and a brand new stage show.

In its Fall/Winter 2005 Edition, readers of Travel + Leisure Family magazine voted Disney’s Wilderness Lodge as the best family-friendly resort in the Continental U.S. and Canada. Disney properties in Florida and California took eight of the top 16 spots.

FILM & TV PRODUCTION AT DISNEY-MGM STUDIOS AND RESORT LOCATIONS In January, “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire” taped five weeks of episodes at Disney-MGM Studios.
During ESPN The Weekend Feb. 25-27, ESPN broadcast “Cold Pizza,” “SportsCenter,” “Baseball Tonight,” “BassCenter” and “ESPN Deportes SportsCenter” from Disney-MGM Studios.
On Dec. 25, the nationwide telecast of the “Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade” aired on ABC-TV with Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa as hosts.

Also in October, the 35th annual FUNAI Golf Classic took place on the Magnolia course, which was stretched to more than 7,500 yards. Lucas Glover holed birdie shots from off the green on the final two holes to come from behind and earn a one-stroke victory.

Nov. 17-19, the Walt Disney World Florida Classic XXVI was held. Festivities kicked off with the President’s Scholarship Gala at Walt Disney World Resort.

In December, Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex once again hosted the Pop Warner Super Bowl.

Also in December, Atlantic Dance Hall at Disney’s BoardWalk hosted the Home Depot College Football Awards Show broadcast live on ESPN.

In July, characters from “Little Einsteins,” a Disney Channel program, made their debut at Disney-MGM Studios.

In August, “Playhouse Disney in Concert” debuted at Disney-MGM Studios, featuring seven weeks of theatrical and musical performances for preschoolers as part of Magical Beginnings, created for families with toddlers and preschoolers. Presented by Playskool, the program features planning tools, services, travel packages and amenities devoted to families with young children.

Also in August, Turf Club Bar and Grill opened at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, offering year-round outdoor dining.

In October, Magic Kingdom introduced the stage show “Dream Along With Mickey.”

Also in October, Magic Kingdom premiered new immersive experiences as part of “The Year of a Million Dreams” including “Captain Jack Sparrow’s Pirate Tutorial,” “Woody’s Cowboy Camp,” “Let’s Have a Ball” and the “Main Street Family Fun Day Parade.”

Also in 2006, the All-Star Music Resort opened 214 value-priced family suites.

ANNUAL EVENTS

March 3-5, ESPN The Weekend returned to Disney-MGM Studios featuring headliners Jerry Rice and Brian Urlacher.

April 21-June 11, the13th annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival took place. Each festival weekend featured a different theme including Characters in Bloom Weekend & Art in the Garden Weekend.

May 19-June 11, Star Wars Weekends were held at Disney-MGM Studios and featured appearances by Star Wars producer Rick McCallum and Peter Mayhew, the 7’3” actor who portrayed Chewbacca.

Sept. 8-9, the 24th annual Night of Joy had a lineup of 16 contemporary Christian music acts including MercyMe, Casting Crowns, Kirk Franklin and tobyMac.

Sept. 29-Nov. 12, the 11th Epcot International Food and Wine Festivalfeatured wineries from around the world and more than 25 marketplaces. The “Eat to the Beat!” concert series featured such performers as Survivor, Little Richard, Jon Secada and The Beach Boys.

In September and October, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party took place over 18 nights.

Nov. 11-12, the 11th annual ABC Super Soap Weekend,featured over 30 ABC Daytime stars from “All My Children,” “One Life To Live” and “General Hospital.” Anthony Geary and Genie Francis made their first public appearance in decades during “The 25th Anniversary Celebration of the Wedding of Luke & Laura.” Rosie O’Donnell appeared as a special guest and co-host.

Nov. 10-12, Downtown Disney held the 31st annual Festival of the Masters, featuring more than 200 artists from 29 states and Israel. House of Blues also hosted the eighth annual Where the Art Meets the Soul Folk Art Festival, with 40 folk artists performing.

For the holiday season, the Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights returned to Disney-MGM Studios with new “dancing” lights, Magic Kingdom held 18 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parties and Epcot hosted the annual Candlelight Processional.

Feb. 10, 11 & 14, Pleasure Island became Sweetheart Island, celebrating Valentine’s Day.
March 17, Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant at Downtown Disney hosted an authentic Irish celebration of St. Patrick’s Day. Live Irish music and dance, favorite Irish foods and Irish beers marked the first St. Patrick’s Day celebration at the venue.
Sept. 1-5, the Tom Joyner Family Reunion was held with a star-studded lineup of entertainment including Aretha Franklin, Chris Brown, LL Cool J and Sinbad.
On Oct. 4, “The Year of a Million Dreams” celebration began at Walt Disney World with one family – the Spanglers of Randolph, Ohio – getting the Magic Kingdom to themselves for the morning.

NOTABLE
In January, Disney water parks began participating in Extra Magic Hours; “Walt Disney World Resort: Plugged In” weekly podcasts debuted; Ice Station Cool received the new name “Club Cool.”

By February, more than 2 million guests had used Disney’s Magical Express since its launch in May 2005.

In February, a 233-pound female elephant calf named Nadirah was born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

On April 5, World of Disney in Downtown Disney Marketplace unveiled its “re-imagined” retail playground with a new Adventure Room and Princess Room.

Also in April, readers and Golf Magazine experts rated Walt Disney World Resort as a Gold Medal winner in their survey of America’s Best Resorts; Night of Joy received the Gospel Music Association Lifetime Achievement Award.
June 9, Lightning McQueen and Mater from “Cars” joined the Disney-MGM Studios “Disney Stars and Motor Cars” parade.

Also in June, Jiko-The Cooking Place was honored for “Best Independent Operator Menu” in the 2006 Nation’s Restaurant News MenuMasters Awards, and the “2005 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade” was honored by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences with an Emmy Award for “Outstanding Special Class Special.”

In July, Pirates of the Caribbean added Captain Jack Sparrow and Barbossa Audio-Animatronics to the attraction, as well as a Davy Jones hologram and refurbished lights and sound.

Also in July, The Flying Dutchman, the 175-foot ghost ship used in “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest” docked at Castaway Cay, the Disney Cruise Line private island, to provide photo ops and a sneak peek into movie-making magic.

In October, Jiko-The Cooking Place was named one of “America’s 50 Most Amazing Wine Experiences” by Food & Wine magazine. Jiko was one of two honored in Florida.

FILM & TV PRODUCTION AT DISNEY-MGM STUDIOS AND RESORT LOCATIONS
In January, “Who Wants to be a Millionaire” taped episodes at Disney-MGM Studios.

In November, ESPN2 and ESPNU broadcast games from the Old Spice Classic held at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex.

March 3-5, during ESPN The Weekend, ESPN broadcast “Cold Pizza,” “SportsCenter,” “Baseball Tonight” and “College Game Day” from Disney-MGM Studios.

In December the annual nationwide telecast of the “Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade” aired on ABC-TV with Regis Philbin, Kelly Ripa and Ryan Seacrest as hosts. Beyonce headlined an impressive lineup of stars that included Andrea Bocelli, the cast of “High School Musical” and Bianca Ryan.

Also in December, the 2006 Home Depot College Football Awards were broadcast live on ESPN from Atlantic Dance Hall at Disney’s BoardWalk. “ESPN College GameDay” host Chris Fowler emceed along with co-anchors Kirk Herbstreit and Lee Corso.

SPORTS
In January, Walt Disney World Resort hosted the 13th annual Walt Disney World Marathon, which featured a new split-day format, and Goofy’s Race-and-a-Half Challenge, offered for participants who complete both races. The Health and Fitness Expo was hosted at The Milk House Jan. 5-7.

In February, the Atlanta Braves returned for their ninth year of spring training at Disney’s Wide World of Sports.

March 7-10, Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex hosted the inaugural World Baseball Classic.

April 2, the fourth annual Walt Disney World Inline Marathon and Half Marathon took place at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex. An Inline Marathon Expo took place at The Milk House.

In May, Walt Disney World Resort held the first-ever Disney Minnie Marathon Weekend, aiming to promote women’s wellness with three races and an expo.

In June, the 2006 NBA Pre-Draft Camp moved to Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex.

In July and August, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers held their training camp at Disney’s Wide World of Sports.

Sept. 24, The Walt Disney World Triathlon capped a weekend of fitness and fun with a 1.5K swim, 40K bike and 10K run.

Oct. 19-22, the Funai Golf Classic took place on Disney’s Palm and Magnolia courses, with Tour veteran Joe Durant emerging as winner.

2007OPENINGS
In January, “Finding Nemo - The Musical” officially opened at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and “The Seas with Nemo & Friends” debuted at Epcot.
On Jan. 25, the Disney Wish Lounge opened for invited Disney Wish Program guests, and Disney’s Pirate & Princess Party took place in the Magic Kingdom for the first time.

Also in January, the Fouch family, of DeWitt, Mich., was the first family to stay at the Cinderella Castle Suite in Magic Kingdom as part of “The Year of a Million Dreams.”

On March 29, the Lotus Blossom Café in the China pavilion reopened after undergoing extensive refurbishment that resulted in a new, more modern interior and a new, healthier selection of menu items.

On April 2, the “Gran Fiesta Tour starring The Three Caballeros” boat ride debuted in the Mexico pavilion at Epcot, replacing the original “El Río Del Tiempo” boat ride attraction.

Also on April 2, Magic Kingdom opened the new comedic attraction Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor.

In May, the Disney Magic embarked on new 10- and 11-night itineraries in the Mediterranean, allowing guests to visit such world-famous cities as Rome, Florence and Naples in Italy; Cannes in France; and Barcelona in Spain.

Also in May, Fuego by Sosa Cigars, an upscale cigar bar, opened at Downtown Disney Pleasure Island.

On July 2, Disney Vacation Club opened the first phase of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House – at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.

In September, the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique opened at Cinderella Castle in the Magic Kingdom as the second Walt Disney World location.

In September, Epcot welcomed the Patina Restaurant Group’s new restaurant, Tutto Italia Ristorante at the Italy pavilion, and the American Adventure pavilion exhibit National Treasures, which includes artifacts from museums and foundations across the country.

September 23, “High School Musical 2: School’s Out!” debuted at Disney-MGM Studios, featuring a medley of the hottest tunes from the smash Disney Channel movies.

Also in September, sports manufacturer Rawlings opened its first permanent store, Rawlings Making the Game, inside Team Mickey at Downtown Disney Marketplace, featuring customizable baseballs bats, gloves and more.

In October, Mitsukoshi opened two restaurants in the Japan pavilion at Epcot – Teppan Edo and Tokyo Dining.

Also in October, the “O Canada!” film debuted in the Canada pavilion at Epcot, featuring Canadian actor/ comedian Martin Short.

Also in November, Disney’s Animal Kingdom welcomed the opening of Yak & Yeti as a two-story eatery in the park’s Asia region, and the Tusker House Restaurant reopened as a buffet with a character breakfast.

ANNUAL EVENTS

March 2-4, ESPN The Weekend returned to Disney-MGM Studios, featuring former NBA All-Star David Robinson and Pittsburgh Steelers Super Bowl-winning quarterback Ben Roethlisberger as celebrity hosts.

April 5-June 3,the14th annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival took place. Each festival weekend featured a different theme including Characters in Bloom Weekend and Garden Party Weekend.

June 1-24, Star Wars Weekends were held at Disney-MGM Studios and featured appearances by “Star Wars” actors and film creators.

Sept. 7-8, the 25th annual Night of Joy had a lineup of 19 contemporary Christian music acts including BarlowGirl, Third Day, newsboys and Steven Curtis Chapman.

Sept. 28-Nov. 11, the 12th Epcot International Food and Wine Festivalfeatured wineries from around the world and more than 25 marketplaces. The “Eat to the Beat!” concert series featured such performers as David Cassidy, Little Richard, Jon Secada and The Beach Boys.

From September to November, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party took place on 20 evenings.

Nov. 10-11, the 12th annual ABC Super Soap Weekend at Disney-MGM Studios featured more than 30 ABC Daytime stars from “All My Children,” “One Life To Live” and “General Hospital.” “The View’s” new co-host Sherri Shepherd joined Susan Lucci and Cameron Mathison from “All My Children” as a special guest.
Nov. 9-11, Downtown Disney held the 32nd annual Festival of the Masters, featuring more than 150 artisans. House of Blues also hosted the ninth annual Where the Art Meets the Soul Folk Art Festival, with 40 folk artists appearing.

For the holiday season, the Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights returned to Disney-MGM Studios with its “dancing” lights, Magic Kingdom held 19 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parties and Epcot hosted the annual Candlelight Processional.

SPECIAL EVENTS
In January, “The Year of a Million Dreams” campaign kicked into high gear with a media press event and the unveiling of a new advertising campaign for Disney Parks by famed photographer Annie Leibovitz. More than 1 million dreams were granted throughout Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. The campaign extended through 2008.

NOTABLE
In January, Walt Disney World Public Affairs launched its Web site – www.wdwpublicaffairs.com – providing the world information about Cast Members, Community Relations, Conservation, Government Relations, Media Relations and Minority Business Development.

Launched on Valentine’s Day, the Disney Honeymoon Registry, offered by Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings, allows couples to select from hundreds of dining, shopping and recreation offerings that friends and family may purchase as gifts.

On May 14, Walt Disney World officials unveiled the rededicated Walt Disney Amphitheater at Lake Eola Park in downtown Orlando.

In May, Disney Channel characters including Little Einsteins and Jo Jo’s Circus were given new outdoor meet-and-greet and photo opportunity areas in the Animation Courtyard at Disney-MGM Studios.

On June 1, based on guest demand, all Disney- owned and -operated resorts at the Walt Disney World Resort and Disney Vacation Clubs went smoke-free.

On July 4, more than 1,000 immigrants became U.S. citizens during a naturalization ceremony on Main Street, U.S.A., at Magic Kingdom.

On Aug. 28, the Walt Disney World Resort contributed $1 million to the Downtown Orlando Entrepreneur Center, which was renamed The Disney Entrepreneur Center.

On Oct. 1, a special Silver Anniversary Ceremony to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Epcot was held at Future World Fountain Stage.
In November, the Jedi Training Academy stage was given a permanent home outside the Star Tours attraction at Disney-MGM Studios.
In 2007, Disney’s Old Key West Resort, Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground received Green Lodging Certification by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. With the certification, these resorts joined six other Walt Disney World resorts previously honored.

In 2007, Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Disney’s Polynesian Resort received official AAA Four Diamond rating plaques from the American Automobile Association.

Also in 2007, Disney’s Animal Kingdom welcomed several bundles of joy, including a white rhino, giraffe, sable antelope, marabou stork and pink-backed pelican.
And in 2007, The Twilight Zone™ Tower of Terror celebrated its 13th anniversary at Disney-MGM Studios.

In April, the Disney Channel Games were taped at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex, featuring stars from the Disney Channel.

In November, ESPN2 and ESPNU broadcast games from the Old Spice Classic held at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex.

In December, the annual nationwide telecast of the “Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade” aired on ABC-TV with Regis Philbin, Kelly Ripa and Ryan Seacrest as hosts. At Walt Disney World, the cast from the hit show “Dancing With The Stars” kicked off the special that included an impressive lineup of stars, such as Jessica Simpson, the Jonas Brothers, Katharine McPhee and Patti LaBelle.

Also in December, The Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards were broadcast live on ESPN from Atlantic Dance Hall at Disney’s BoardWalk and hosted by the ESPN College GameDay team.

In February, the Atlanta Braves returned for their 10th year of Spring Training at Disney’s Wide World of Sports.
Feb. 5-April 29, the Tom Shaw Performance Training camp was held for the second year at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex, including marquee athletes such as Calvin Johnson (Georgia Tech), LaRon Landry (Louisiana State University) and Chris Leak (University of Florida).
Feb. 16 and 18, Major League Soccer brought four of its teams—the Chicago Fire, Houston Dynamo, New York Red Bulls and Real Salt Lake—to play four pre-season exhibition games on the HESS Fields at Disney’s Wide World of Sports.
March 2-4, Disney-MGM Studios hosted the fourth annual ESPN The Weekend, hosted by former NBA All-Star David Robinson and Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.

On March 28, Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex marked its 10th anniversary with a yearlong reflection on the exhilarating memories and historical milestones achieved by athletes and spectators.

April 1, the fifth annual Walt Disney World Inline Marathon took place at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex with nearly 1,000 registered inline skaters.

May 4-6, Walt Disney World Resort held Disney’s Minnie Marathon Weekend, aiming to promote women’s wellness with three races and an expo.
May 15-17, Tampa Bay Rays hosted the Texas Rangers for three regular season games at The Ballpark at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex, marking the first-ever regular season MLB games to be played in Central Florida.
July 20 -Aug 1, Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex hosted the Amateur Athletic Union’s (AAU) Boys Basketball National Championships that included some of the top high school players in the nation, such as Tyreke Evans, DeMarcus Cousins, Terrelle Pryor, Austin Rivers and Marcus Jordan.

June 7, the Major League Baseball Draft came to The Milk House at Disney’s Wide World of Sports.
In July and August, the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers held their sixth training camp at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex.
Sept. 23, the Walt Disney World Triathlon capped a weekend of fitness and fun for more than 2,000 participants with a 1.5K swim, 56K bike and 10K run.

Nov. 1-4, the Children’s Miracle Network Classic took place on Disney’s Palm and Magnolia courses.

Nov. 22-25, Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex hosted the Old Spice Classic at the Milk House.
Dec. 6, The Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards took place at Atlantic Dance Hall at Disney’s BoardWalk where U.S. Naval Academy slot back Zerbin Singleton was awarded the Disney’s Wide World of Sports Spirit Award.
Dec. 2-8, the Pop Warner Super Bowl was held at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex.
Dec. 27-29, World-class soccer team Chelsea Football Club brought its under 13 team to the U.S. to participate in Disney’s Soccer Showcase, America’s most prestigious youth soccer tournament.

2008 OPENINGS In January, the first Walt Disney World Moms Panel debuted in an interactive online forum consisting of 12 moms.

Jan. 10, the “Curl” surf shop by Sammy Duvall opened on Pleasure Island, offering a variety of surf apparel and accessories.
In February, the “Playhouse Disney–Live on Stage!”show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios was updated tofeature new characters, such as LittleEinsteins and Handy Manny.

Also in February, Spaceship Earthin Epcot reopened to guests, featuring new show scenes, lighting effects, a musical score and narrator.

On June 24, Disney’s Hollywood Studios unveiled theJourney Into Narnia: Prince Caspian attraction with a special meet andgreet with Prince Caspian.

Also in June, Downtown Disney opened FoodQuest as a quick-service location at DisneyQuest, offering pizzas, burgers and wraps.

Aug. 26, Epcot opened StormStruck: A Tale of Two Homes at Innoventions East, a 4-D storm simulation that includes rain, hail and lightning.
In September, the magical forest Pixie Hollow opened at Mickey’s Toontown in Magic Kingdom, featuring a meet and greet with Tinker Bell and her four best friends.

On Sept. 24, Nine Dragons, the restaurant at the China pavilion at Epcot, reopened after undergoing a major renovation from the menu to atmosphere.
In October, hundreds of Walt Disney World Cast Members celebrated the opening of the on-site Center for Living Well, providing eligible Cast Members, Imagineers and their families a one-stop shop for primary medical care and services.

Oct. 14, T-Rex: A Prehistoric Family Adventure, A Place to Eat, Shop, Explore and Discover debuted at Downtown Disney Marketplace, featuring an interactive, educational dining experience and a Build-a-Dino Workshop by Build-a-Bear.

Oct. 24, the “High School Musical 3: Right Here! Right Now!” show premiered at Disney’s Hollywood Studios with a traveling stage, new choreography and songsfrom “High School Musical 3: Senior Year.”

On Nov. 15, Disney’s Contemporary Resort opened the Contempo Café, offering a chic dining experience at a quick-service location.

In December, Goofy’s Birthday Parties debuted at Goofy’s Candy Company in Downtown Disney.

Dec. 8, Disney’s Design-a-Tee opened at the Downtown Disney Marketplace where guests create a one-of-a-kind T-shirts.

Dec. 9, Portobello reopened at the Downtown Disney Marketplace after transforming into an authentic Italian trattoria.

ANNUAL EVENTS Jan. 17-20, 100 high school students from around the U.S. participated in the first Disney’s Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey enrichment program.
Feb. 29-March 2, ESPN The Weekend returned to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, featuring ESPN personalities and celebrities including Shaun Alexander, Donte Stallworth and Jim Palmer.

March 19-June 1,the15th annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival took place. Each festival weekend featured a different theme including Characters in Bloom Weekend and Art in the Garden Weekend.

June 6-29, Star Wars Weekends were held at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and featured appearances by “Star Wars” actors and film creators.
Sept. 5-6, the 26th annual Night of Joy moved to Disney’s HollywoodStudios from Magic Kingdom and showcased a lineup of 16 contemporary Christian music acts including BarlowGirl, Casting Crowns, MercyMe and Rebecca St. James.
September and October, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party took place during 26 nights, the most nights in the history of the event.
Sept. 26-Nov. 9, the 13th Epcot International Food and Wine Festivalfeatured wineries from around the world and more than 25 marketplaces. The “Eat to the Beat!” concert series featured such performers as Sister Hazel, David Sanborn, Jon Secada and Sheena Easton.

Nov. 15-16, the final ABC-SOAPnet Super Soap Weekend at Disney’s Hollywood Studios featured more than 31 ABC Daytime stars from “All My Children,” “One Life To Live” and “General Hospital.” Cameron Mathison from “All My Children” headlined the event, accompanied by soap stars including Kassie DePaiva from “One Life to Live” and Bradford Anderson from “General Hospital.”
Nov. 7-9, Downtown Disney held the 33rd annual Festival of the Masters, featuring more than 150 artisans. House of Blues also hosted the 10th annual Where the Art Meets the Soul Folk Art Festival.
For the holiday season, the Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights returned to Disney’s Hollywood Studios with its “dancing” lights, Magic Kingdom held 18 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parties and Epcot hosted the annual Candlelight Processional.

SPECIAL EVENTS
In 2008, “The Year of a Million Dreams” campaign continued throughout the year. More than 1 million dreams were granted throughout Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort.

NOTABLE
On Jan. 1, Disney-MGM Studios was renamed Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
On April 22, Disney’s Animal Kingdom celebrated its 10-year anniversary.
In April and May, Disney VoluntEARS celebrated 25 years of worldwide community service by participating in a month-long variety of volunteer events.
In May, Disney’s Helping Kids Shine awarded Central Florida nonprofit organizations $700,000 in grants for a variety of initiatives that build better futures for area children.
June 28, Disney’s Animal Kingdom welcomed a 327-pound African elephant calf, making thenew addition the heaviest elephant born at the park.
In July, a new Grand Marshal vehicle debuted in the daily parade down Main Street, U.S.A., at Magic Kingdom, with a lift mechanism that accommodates guests who use a wheelchair or have difficulty navigating steps.
In August, the Walt Disney World Resort was named as the Corporation of the Year by the Florida Minority Supplier Development Council.
Aug. 29, world champion swimmer Michael Phelps celebrated a record of eight Gold Medals from the Olympic Games in Beijing with an all-American homecoming parade at Magic Kingdom.
Also in August, Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground launched archery as a new recreation offering.
On Sept. 10, Walt Disney World officials announced Project Pressure, a Central Florida health campaign that aims to raise awareness of the dangers of high blood pressure.
In 2008, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort celebrated their 20-year anniversaries.
In 2008, Disney Cruise Line ranked top three in “Travel + Leisure” magazine’s “2008 World’s Best” awards in the “Large Ship” cruise line category.

FILM & TV PRODUCTION AT DISNEY’S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS AND RESORT LOCATIONS
Feb. 29-March 2, during ESPN The Weekend, ESPN broadcast “Mike & Mike,” “ESPN First Take,” “Baseball Tonight” and “NFL Live” from Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
In April and May, the Disney Channel Games were taped at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex, featuring a special concert with The Cheetah Girls, Miley Cyrus and the Jonas Brothers.
In November, ESPN2 and ESPNU broadcast games from the Old Spice Classic held at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex.
In December, the annual nationwide telecast of the “Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade” aired on ABC-TV with Regis Philbin, Kelly Ripa and Ryan Seacrest as hosts. At Walt Disney World, Miley Cyrus headlined an impressive lineup of stars that included Billy Ray Cyrus, David Cook, David Archuleta and Sarah Brightman.
Also in December, The Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards were broadcast live on ESPN from Atlantic Dance Hall at Disney’s BoardWalk, hosted by the ESPN College GameDay team.

SPORTS
Jan. 11-13, Walt Disney World Resort hosted the 15th annual Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend.
In February, the Atlanta Braves returned for their 11th year of Spring Training at Disney’s Wide World of Sports.
Feb. 5-April 30, the Tom Shaw Performance training camp was held for the third year at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex, including marquee athletes such as Glenn Dorsey (Louisiana State University), Andre Woodson (Kentucky) and Early Doucet (LSU).
Feb. 29-March 2, Disney’s Hollywood Studios hosted the fifth annual ESPN The Weekend, featuring ESPN personalities and celebrities including Shaun Alexander, Donte Stallworth and Jim Palmer.
May 2-4, Walt Disney World Resort held Disney’s Minnie Marathon Weekend, aiming to promote women’s wellness with three races and an expo.
April 22-24, Tampa Bay Rays hosted the Toronto Blue Jays for three regular season games at the Champion Stadium at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex.
May 27-30, Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex hosted the 2008 NBA Pre-Draft Camp.
June 5-6, the Major League Baseball Draft came to The Milk House at Disney’s Wide World of Sports.
July 6, the Jostens Center, a new state-of-the-art, multi-sport facility, opened at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex, comprising of more than 44,800 square feet of competition space, four locker rooms, two conference rooms and two officials’ rooms.
July 20, Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex held the inaugural Under Armour All-America Softball game, featuring 30 of the nation’s elite high school softball players.
July 21-August 1, Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex hosted the Amateur Athletic Union’s (AAU) Boys Basketball National Championships.
July 26-August 14, the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers held their seventh training camp at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex.
Sept. 27, the inaugural Expedition Everest Challenge debuted at Disney’s Animal Kingdom with 3,000 participants, featuring a 5K run, obstacle course and scavenger hunt.
Nov. 3-5, the Children’s Miracle Network Classic took place on Disney’s Palm and Magnolia courses.
Nov. 27-30, Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex hosted the Old Spice Classic at the Milk House where the first sellout in Milk House history was recorded Nov. 27.
Dec. 11, The Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards took place at Atlantic Dance Hall at Disney’s BoardWalk where Florida quarterback Tim Tebow took home the Disney Spirit Award and the Maxwell Award.
Dec. 6-13, the Pop Warner Super Bowl was held at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex.

Dec. 27-Jan. 3, World-class soccer team Chelsea Football Club brought its under 17 team to the U.S. to participate in Disney’s Soccer Showcase, America’s most prestigious youth soccer tournament.